MyNorth News Service
(Press Release provided by Focus Gallery)
FRANKFORT: This June a new gallery showcasing nature, wildlife, and landscape photographs of Northern Michigan will open in downtown Frankfort. Focus Gallery, located at 402 Main Street, will feature the work of Drew Smith, an award-winning Virginia-based photographer with deep ties to Michigan and to Benzie County. Drew grew up spending summers in Petoskey, and in 2009 he partnered with the Benzie County Visitor’s Bureau to compete in a photo contest sponsored by Pure Michigan. His photographs of Benzie County are highlighted in the book Pure Michigan: Spring, and many are featured on the Benzie County Visitors Bureau’s website.
“It’s a dream come true to open a photo gallery in Frankfort,” said Drew Smith. “Northern Michigan is unlike anywhere else in the world, and an amazing place to photograph. I can’t wait to share the images I’ve captured, and hope they inspire both Benzie residents and visitors.”
“Working with Drew to showcase the natural beauty of Benzie County was such a rewarding experience,” added Mary Carroll, President of the Benzie County Visitors Bureau. “We’re excited to have him here, creating more photographs that highlight what makes this area so special.”
Drew’s nature and wildlife images from Michigan and beyond have been published by Traverse Magazine, Michigan Blue magazine, the National Wildlife Federation, Audubon, National Parks magazine, Nature’s Best Photography, and the National Wildlife Refuge Association, among others. Drew has also worked with the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy on a number of projects.
This summer Focus Gallery will be open from late-June through August, and will have archival paper and canvas prints available in a range of sizes and price-points. To see a selection of images that will be available in the gallery and to stay updated on details of store hours and special events, visit www.facebook.com/FocusFrankfort.